Beware of ‘Holiday Heart Syndrome’

The Department of Health (DOH) 7 warns the public on the dangers of excessive eating and alcohol drinking especially with the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, DOH 7 Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) head, advised the public to eat and drink in moderation to avoid acquiring the “Holiday Heart Syndrome.”

Blanco said that with holidays getting closer, Christmas parties and other functions are expected to happen and with it comes excessive eating and binge alcohol drinking.

He advised the public to avoid eating and drinking alcohol excessively as these could cause irregular heart beat pattern and sudden heart enlargement which are symptoms of a “Holiday Heart Syndrome.”

Blanco said that it is advisable to drink at least one glass of wine for women while two glasses of wine for men.

He said that one bottle of beer, which is 500 milliliters, is equivalent to two cups of rice.

Blanco said those who have cardiovascular diseases should avoid eating too much.

He also advised those who were already diagnosed with diabetes to avoid eating too much sweets.

Blanco advised those tasked to prepare the noche buena to properly cook and prepare the meal to avoid food poisoning.

If prepared foods are already set for consumption, don’t leave them on the table for more than two hours to avoid spoilage, Blanco said.